HC Deb 03 July 1967 vol 749 cc1264-5
37. Mr. Macdonald

asked the Lord President of the Council if he is aware that advertisements for mini-cabs are displayed in the police box in New Palace Yard; and if he will have these advertisements removed, at least until regulations are brought in to ensure fair competition between mini-cabs and taxis.

Mr. Crossman

The box in New Palace Yard is a private box used by the police and custodians as a sentry box. In it is a telephone which is often used to summon various kinds of transport for Members. For convenience, several of the more frequently used telephone numbers are shown in the box, including those of several taxi and hire-car firms. I do not propose to have these advertisements removed.

Mr. Macdonald

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the feelings of taxicab drivers are quite high at the present time? Does he not consider that in these circumstances the admission of unregulated mini-cabs to New Palace Yard is equivalent to taking sides in this dispute?

Mr. Crossman

I have studied this very carefully before making my first reply. I do not think the fact that an hon. Member can ring up a mini-cab firm and order a mini-cab can be considered a violation of anything at all.

Mr. Hogg

Could we not discontinue the use of the term "mini-cab" for a full-sized vehicle and use other terminology?

Mr. Crossman

I must admit that when I look at my brief I see that I was told not to say "mini-cab" but to say "hire-car".